Irma Eubanks was the first wife of Bob Eubanks, a famous American disc jockey, television personality, and game show host. She was also a Michigan Figure Skating Champion and a dancer with the Pedro Lorca Flamenco Group. She died in 2002 after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a rich legacy of art and equestrian shows. In this article, we will explore the life and death of Irma Eubanks, as well as her impact on her husband and children.
Early Life and Marriage
Irma Eubanks was born on January 28, 1924, in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Michigan, United States. She was the daughter of Llewelyn Barnard and Sadie Amelia Barnard. She had two brothers, Llewellyn C. Barnard Jr. and Francis Dewitt Bernard.
Irma was an avid athlete and a talented figure skater. She won the Michigan Figure Skating Championship and performed with the Pedro Lorca Flamenco Group as a dancer. She met Bob Eubanks in 1969, when he was already a successful game show host. He hosted The Newlywed Game since 1966 and later hosted Card Sharks from 1986 to 1989.
The couple got married on September 10, 1969, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They had three children: Corey Michael Eubanks, Theresa Eubanks, and Trace Eubanks. Irma supported her husband’s career and also pursued her own passions.
Art and Equestrian Shows
Irma Eubanks was known for her love of art and her stellar collection. She and Bob Eubanks bought a 20-acre ranch in Santa Ynez, California, and later expanded it to 26 acres. They hosted the Peppertree Art Show at their ranch, where hundreds of people would gather to view the collection. According to The Santa Ynez Valley News, the show featured paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, glassware, and more from local and national artists.
Irma also handled interior decorating, landscaping, and mounting one to two equestrian shows a year at their ranch. Bob Eubanks was a gold card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and participated in rodeos during his spare time. Irma helped him organize and promote the events.
Separation and Death
Irma Eubanks and Bob Eubanks reportedly separated in the 1990s, but did not divorce. According to All Star Bio, Bob started to get involved with a college student named Deborah James around that time. Irma continued to live at their ranch until her death.
Irma Eubanks died on January 19, 2002, in Santa Barbara, California, at the age of 78. She had been battling a prolonged illness for some time, but the details were not disclosed to the public. She was buried at Oak Hill Terrace in Vandenberg Village. According to The Things, Bob married Deborah James two years later in 2004. They have one son together.
Legacy
Irma Eubanks left behind a legacy of art and equestrian shows that enriched the lives of many people. Her children also followed their own paths and achieved success in different fields. Corey Michael Eubanks is a stuntman and filmmaker who has worked on movies like The Dukes of Hazzard and Fast & Furious. Theresa Eubanks is an actress who has appeared on shows like The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of Our Lives. Trace Eubanks is a musician who plays guitar for bands like The Muffs and The Pandoras.
Irma Eubanks was more than just the first wife of Bob Eubanks. She was a champion skater, a flamenco dancer, an art collector, a rancher, and a mother. She lived a full and vibrant life that touched many people. Her cause of death may have been a mystery, but her life was an inspiration.
